Broward County residents and business owners looking to buy a new appliance could get the county to pay for it – if they act fast enough. There is currently $400,000 available through the Broward County Energy Sense Appliance Rebate Program for county residents and small- to medium-business owners to receive a rebate on an Energy Star washing machine, refrigerator or freezer. The program, funded by the federal government through the state, is designed to lower Broward's overall level of energy consumption, stimulate the economy and help rebate recipients save money on future energy bills.

Florida's unrelenting heat is often felt in our utility bills. Fortunately, new, energy-efficient products on the market can help you reduce energy usage and save money. This year, I partnered with Sen. Anitere Flores and Rep. Mike Hill, along with other leaders in the Florida Legislature, to help you conserve our precious natural resources and save money on your utility bills. We created Florida's first tax-free holiday weekend for energy-efficient appliances. Starting today and running through Sunday, Floridians will pay no sales tax on up to $1,500 on purchases of ENERGY STAR appliances and WaterSense products.

When shopping for a ceiling fan, choose one that has earned the Energy Star label. Energy Star is a government-supported agency charged with helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through greater energy efficiency. Fans with an Energy Star label are about 10 percent more energy efficient and move air up to 20 percent more efficiently than other fans. This can translate into savings of $15 to $25 on energy bills. You also may enjoy additional cooling or heating savings through proper ceiling-fan usage because using fans allows you to adjust your thermostat.

More than $180,000 in rebates was dispersed to residents who participated in Broward County 's recently concluded Energy Sense Appliance Rebate Program earlier this month. Some 885 checks ranging from $150 to $250 were issued to qualifying persons who purchased an Energy Star energy-efficient refrigerator or washing machines. The rebate represents about a 22 percent savings off the appliances' purchase price. To date the program has generated $825,000 in economic impact and energy savings of 2 million kilowatts hours annually, the County said.

Go green and save green when Florida's first-ever tax holiday for Energy Star and WaterSense products kicks off Friday through Sunday. In Broward and Palm Beach County, consumers can pocket 6 percent sales tax and score extra savings during retail sales on eligible appliances like refrigerators, washers and dryers, as well as water-conserving products like toilets, faucets and shower heads. In Miami-Dade County, residents save 7 percent sales tax. The tax exemption applies to the first $1,500 of select products.

Except for siding and roofing, new windows have the biggest impact on the overall appearance of your home. And a window's attraction isn't limited to the home's exterior. Depending upon the material and style chosen, a new window can nicely dress up the interior of a room. And, energy-efficient windows can make your home more comfortable, as well, by eliminating drafts in winter and preventing heat gain in summer. . If you're window shopping, we have two words of advice for you: "Energy Star."

Considered individually, efficient light bulbs and small household appliances may save little more than pocket change during the year. But when we add up the savings from all those items, they can make a big difference in our power bill. Now becoming more common in the typical household are the power packs that come with electronics and appliances, particularly with cell phones, PDAs, digital cameras, MP3 players and camcorders. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates there are five of them in use for every person in the United States -- maybe as many as 1.5 billion.

I did a double take when I read the following: "Americans spend more than $1 billion each year to power their TVs and VCRs when they are switched off. Nearly 90 percent of all electricity used to power audio products is used after the products are turned off." Say what? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is renewing its push to remind consumers who are in the market for new appliances, lighting, electronics, windows and air conditioners that they'll cut their electricity bills if they buy appliances bearing the Energy Star label.

Buying a new refrigerator or air conditioner has never been so cool: Beginning Thursday, Floridians who buy certain energy-efficient appliances will save sales tax and help lower their electric bills. Washing machines, dishwashers, ceiling fans and a few other household items also are tax-free under the first Florida sales tax holiday designed to save energy and money. The weeklong holiday ends Oct. 11. To be eligible for state and local tax exemptions, products must be new and purchased for home or personal use. Items also must cost less than $1,500 and carry an "Energy Star" label, which indicates that the product meets or exceeds the federal guidelines for energy efficiency.

Go green and save green when Florida's first-ever tax holiday for Energy Star and WaterSense products kicks off Friday through Sunday. In Broward and Palm Beach County, consumers can pocket 6 percent sales tax and score extra savings during retail sales on eligible appliances like refrigerators, washers and dryers, as well as water-conserving products like toilets, faucets and shower heads. In Miami-Dade County, residents save 7 percent sales tax. The tax exemption applies to the first $1,500 of select products.

Boynton Beach has been nationally recognized for making America a "greener" place. The city recently won a "National Green Builders Award" from the National Association of Home Builders for the Seabourn Cove apartment complex. Seabourn Cove was awarded the "Multi-Family Project of the Year" and is one of the largest complexes to win that title, said Nancy Byrne, Boynton's director of development. The 23-acre development has 456 units, with car-charging stations in every garage, drought-tolerant landscaping, nature walks, a community rain barrel and Energy star appliances.

Hallandale Beach commissioners recently approved plans to transform a vacant lot into a new gated town house development. The Hallandale Townhomes project, at the southwest corner of Southwest Ninth Avenue and Ninth Street, will feature two buildings, each with six attached two-story town houses. The 1,392-square-foot units will each have three bedrooms with 2.5 baths, a driveway with two parking spaces and an exterior storage room. Amenities also will include a community pool and private backyards.

It may be your dream to make a big impression on the world, but as far as the environment is concerned you'll do everyone a favor by reducing your impact. In addition to recycling and composting, you can do your part for the planet by learning your carbon footprint and taking steps to improve it. A carbon footprint measures your contribution to global climate change, taking into consideration factors like the size of your house, the type...

More than $180,000 in rebates was dispersed to residents who participated in Broward County 's recently concluded Energy Sense Appliance Rebate Program earlier this month. Some 885 checks ranging from $150 to $250 were issued to qualifying persons who purchased an Energy Star energy-efficient refrigerator or washing machines. The rebate represents about a 22 percent savings off the appliances' purchase price. To date the program has generated $825,000 in economic impact and energy savings of 2 million kilowatts hours annually, the County said.

A new energy rebate offered by Broward County gives home and business owners the chance to ditch old refrigerators and washing machines that are clunkers. The Energy Sense Appliance Rebate Program offers rebates to residents and small- to mid-sized businesses that purchase ENERGY STAR-certified appliances. The $400,000 rebate program is part of an Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Energy funded through the 2009 federal stimulus package. "The purpose is to reduce overall energy consumption in the county," said Doug Young, an education and outreach coordinator for the program.

When will Cash for Clunker Appliances start? The program is planned for April 16-25. Florida has been given $17.6 million for rebates. If it isn't all spent in those 10 days, the program may be reopened for the most popular appliances. How much will I get? The program gives a 20 percent before tax rebate on covered products, up to a total of $1,500 per household. You can buy multiple appliances. How will I get my rebate? That has yet to be determined. Some stores may be able to give you a rebate on site when you purchase, others may require you to file paperwork.

Some features that make a home "green" •Double-pane windows and doors that reduce energy use and noise. •Compact fluorescent lights that use less electricity. •Low-flow plumbing fixtures and toilets that uses less water. •Drip irrigation for lawns and plants that uses less water than sprinklers. •Carpets that emit less Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and chemicals. •Energy-efficient air conditioning and appliances rated Energy Star.

Broward County residents and business owners looking to buy a new appliance could get the county to pay for it – if they act fast enough. There is currently $400,000 available through the Broward County Energy Sense Appliance Rebate Program for county residents and small- to medium-business owners to receive a rebate on an Energy Star washing machine, refrigerator or freezer. The program, funded by the federal government through the state, is designed to lower Broward's overall level of energy consumption, stimulate the economy and help rebate recipients save money on future energy bills.

What goes around comes around. Last year, Lauderhill started awarding interest-free loans to homeowners to purchase energy-efficient Energy Star qualified appliances. And as residents continue to repay the loans and money comes back into the program, other homeowners can start borrowing. "It's been a very successful program. My understanding is we're one of the few [cities] who did it," Mayor Richard Kaplan said. "As long as people do not default on the loan [the program will continue]